Nate Pearson Dealt to Royals in Exchange for Prospect Max Martin
Houston moves on from the hard-throwing but command-challenged reliever, clearing a 26-man and 40-man roster spot in the process.
The Houston Astros have officially traded reliever Nate Pearson to the Kansas City Royals for 22-year-old right-handed pitching prospect Max Martin. Pearson, 29, posted a 3.60 ERA in 16 appearances this season but struggled with command, walking 12 batters in 20 innings. Martin has been effective across two levels of Class A ball in 2026, going 6-2 with a 2.01 ERA in 26 relief outings. The trade opens roster space on both the Astros' 26-man and 40-man rosters.
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